Definition: And Lot lifted up his eyes, and beheld all the plain of Jordan, that it [was] well watered every where, before the LORD destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah, [even] as the garden of the LORD, like the land of Egypt, as thou comest unto Zoar.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Genesis 13:10. It's a really important passage about God’s plan for Israel and a message about judgment. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: God is setting up a massive, incredibly successful harvest – a “garden” – for his people. He’s telling Lot that he’ll be watching over this area and making sure it thrives. But then, something terrible happens – Sodom and Gomorrah are destroyed. Let's break it down word by word: “And Lot lifted up his eyes…” - This is a key point. Lot was focused on his own possessions and desires, not on God’s plan. He wasn't seeing the bigger picture. “…and beheld all the plain of Jordan…” - Lot was looking out over the vast plains east of the Dead Sea in Israel (the “plain of Jordan”). This area was incredibly fertile – it had plenty of water, which is crucial for growing crops. “…that it [was] well watered every where…” - God is telling us that this land is thriving and producing abundantly. It’s a good, prosperous place. “Before the LORD destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah, even as the garden of the LORD…” - This is where the really significant imagery comes in. God is saying he's going to destroy these cities. Sodom and Gomerrah are two specific cities that were notoriously wicked and sinful – they were thought to be a place of corruption and evil. “…like the land of Egypt, as thou comest unto Zoar.” - This is a powerful metaphor. The land of Egypt was incredibly fertile and prosperous too. The verses then say, "As the land of Egypt, like the land of Zion (the Promised Land), as thou comest unto Zoar." What does it mean? God’s Plan: Lot is being tested and shown a glimpse into God's grand plan for his people. He’s being asked to see how God will use this area. Judgment: The destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah isn’t just about the cities themselves; it’s a judgment . It represents God's judgment on sin and wickedness. A Promise of Restoration: Despite the destruction, God promises that his people will eventually be restored to their former glory – becoming part of his “garden” again. In short, this verse is about God’s plan for Israel, a promise of abundance and restoration through judgment, even though it comes with a terrible cost. Important Note: This is a complex passage that has been interpreted in many ways throughout history. It's important to remember the context of the ancient world and how the story was understood at the time. --- Do you want me to: Explain any part of this verse in more detail? Discuss its significance within the larger narrative of Genesis? Talk about what it might mean for modern-day Christians?